Page 28 of My Saintly Demon

“Smells like someone sprung for the good stuff.”

A figure steps out of the shadows near the wall.

“X was it?” I puff the smoke again in his direction and he nods, stepping closer and pulling up the other chair.

“Yep. I don’t think you told me your name, though.”

After another drag, I pass the joint to him since he clearly wants it.

“Charles. Do you always roam around here in the dark?”

He laughs before passing the joint back.

“Do you always lie around naked in common areas?”

I can’t keep the laugh inside that bubbles out.

“I can’t say it’s a habit. I didn’t think there was anyone awake or out here this time of night, though.”

“I don’t sleep much so you’ll always find me out here. Anywhere really.” I feel his gaze heavy on me and even in the dim light of the moon, he’s checking me out. He licks his lips when he notices I’ve caught him looking. “Especially if you lay out here like this all the time.”

Our gazes lock, and he’s a good-looking guy. His shaggy brown hair and lush lips with all his silver rings give him a low key bad boy vibe.

“And what if I do?”

Handing the joint back to him, he takes a drag and leans in closer, slowly blowing the smoke into my face.

“I might ask you if you want company. I might ask to share the seat with you.”

Swallowing, I notice his hair flutters like it’s in a breeze, but the night air is calm. He reaches out to run his fingers down my cheek and I’m frozen in place. I’m torn in so many directions right now and my fuzzy brain isn’t sure what way is up right now.

As I’m about to answer, Dave’s voice booms in the night’s silence.

“Get your hands off him. Now.”

X doesn’t even flinch. He simply takes his hand back and looks between me and Dave.

“Damn. I was hoping I was wrong about you two. Can’t blame me for trying.” He stands with a step closer to Dave. “Thanks for the… view.”

Dave growls and the red flash in his eyes as he stares down X has all my blood rush south.

As X disappears back wherever he came from, I hold the joint in invitation to Dave. He shakes his head. “Why are you out here naked?”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“You should have woken me up.”

“Then we’d both be awake.”

“But you’d not be out here naked for anyone to see. You’d be with me. I’m the only one you can show yourself to, Chuck.”

Leaning down, I put out the joint on the brick and pretend his words have no effect on me. But I’ve been thinking about what he said earlier.

“Is that what you meant last night when you said we shared our souls? Did I get tricked into making a deal with you or something?”

“You were a willing partner.”

Maybe it’s the weed, or maybe it’s just him. Heck, maybe it’s the fact I’m naked outside at night. Whatever it is, it’s messing with my head and possibly my heart. X has disappeared, and it’s just the two of us here now.

---